Method and system for reducing longitudinal fluid flow around a permeable well

Abstract

A method for reducing longitudinal flow of fluids through an annular space surrounding a permeable well tubular, such as a slotted liner or a sandscreen, in an inflow region of an oil and/or gas production well having: arranging a series of collapsed resilient sealing rings at regular longitudinal intervals around the permeable tubular before lowering the tubular into the well by means of tape and/or a binder which dissolves downhole; placing the tubular in the inflow region of the well; and allowing the tape and/or binder to dissolve, thereby allowing the resilient sealing rings to expand radially in the annular space surrounding the permeable tubular.

1. A method for reducing longitudinal flow of fluids through an annular space surrounding a permeable well tubular-in an inflow region of an oil and/or gas production well, the method comprising:
 arranging at least one resilient sealing ring around the permeable tubular before lowering the tubular into the well; 
 constraining the ring in a collapsed position around the tubular by means of a tape and/or binder which gradually dissolves in a downhole environment; 
 placing the tubular in the inflow region of the well; and 
 allowing the tape and/or binder to dissolve thereby allowing at least part of the resilient sealing ring to expand radially in the annular space surrounding the permeable tubular. 
 
   
   
     2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein a series of resilient sealing rings are arranged at regular longitudinal intervals along the length of the permeable tubular. 
   
   
     3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein each sealing ring has one end which is permanently clamped to the permeable tubular and a resilient lip-shaped other end which is temporarily clamped around the tubular during installation of the tubular in the well and which is released after installation such that the resilient lip-shaped other end unfolds itself and expands radially. 
   
   
     4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the resilient lip-shaped other end of each sealing ring is temporary clamped around the tubular during installation using a tape and/or binder which dissolves gradually in the downhole environment. 
   
   
     5. The method of  claim 3 , wherein permanently clamped end of each sealing ring is located downstream of the resilient lip-shaped other end of the ring. 
   
   
     6. A sealing system for use in the method for reducing longitudinal flow of fluids through an annular space surrounding a permeable well tubular of  claim 1 , said system comprising a series of sealing rings arranged at regular longitudinal intervals around a permeable well tubular, each ring having one end which is permeably connected to the outer wall of the tubular and another resilient lip-shaped other end.